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Warminster marathon gran runs in tribute to her dad

Warminster grandmother Kathy Watson will have her dad on her mind when she runs her first London Marathon next Sunday in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Mrs Watson, who has lived in Wylye with her husband Simon for 27 years, is running the marathon in memory of her father, who died three years ago, aged 75, after battling prostate cancer.

Her dad was only diagnosed when he decided to get tested on a visit to the hospital with Mrs Watson’s mum, who had breast cancer at the time. He discovered it could not be operated on.

Mrs Watson, 49, who has two children and two grandchildren, said she only started running properly recently and thought the London Marathon would be a perfect challenge before she turns 50 in June.

She said: “I can honestly say that throughout my life I never thought I would even consider the crazy idea of running 26.2 miles.

“I only took up running seriously five years ago.

“I have done a few half marathons, but this is a completely new challenge for me.

“Training has gone really well and I have already done my 22-mile practice run, so I’m looking forward to the big day now.

“I’m doing it in memory of my wonderful dad. The last few months were difficult for him, but I will always remember visiting him in hospital, where he never lost his sense of humour.

“It is also a personal journey for me too as I wanted to squeeze this in before my birthday.

“I pinch myself some days to have such a blessed life and now that I have two gorgeous grandchildren I want to continue to be as fit as I can for them.”

Her aim is to complete the marathon in under five hours, but she is hoping to do it in under 4hrs and 30mins. She has already raised almost £3,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Mrs Watson, who works for Mark Allen Group publishing, added: “I love all the men in my life and all the money raised will help this charity get a little closer to fighting this silent disease, which is the most common cancer in men.”